Disk Dispensing And Retrieval System And Associated Methods

ABSTRACT

A kiosk dispenses and receives recorded optical disk media using an interconnected system central server computer through an Internet Service Provider. The system central server contains databases and processing, and is connected to a credit verification system. The central databases collect inventory administration information and customer data from the kiosks including creditcard and email addresses. The central server initiates credit verification and sends receipts to customers via email. The central server maintains databases that are used for remote inventory control and administration of the kiosk network. A kiosk has the capability to identify a recorded disk for automated restocking and may also perform quality assessment of a recorded disk. A kiosk may also provide publishing-on-demand or-act as a portal for remotely served advertisement.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/578,631 filed May 25, 2000, which claims priority to U.S. provisionalApplication Ser. Nos. 60/135,854, and 60/143,601, all of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for dispensing recordedoptical disks employing computers and software. More particularly, thisinvention relates to a method and apparatus for providing automatedretail distribution of recorded optical disks. Still more particularly,this invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing afreestanding distribution and retrieval system for recorded opticaldisks, which is linked to a central server computer using the Internet.

PROBLEM

One method commonly used for distribution of recorded media is a retailoutlet. A retail outlet may sell or rent recorded media. A largeinventory is common at a retail location, and staff is required forsales, rentals and restocking. A building is required to house inventoryand to provide a retail location. A computer system is usually employedto track inventory of rentals and sales. A retail outlet for recordedmedia is very expensive to construct and operate. Because of thesefactors, there is considerable overhead required to run a rental orsales business for recorded media.

Another method of media distribution is a limited scale operation. Aconvenience store might offer a limited selection of items for sale orrent. However, staff is still needed for sales, rentals and restocking.A significant limitation of the retail distribution model for disks isthe overhead required to operate a business.

One way that retailers have sought to reduce costs is through electroniccommerce (EC). Providing an Internet-connected website for customerinteraction is quickly becoming a new business model. A system ofdistribution using EC can significantly reduce overhead associated withretail locations. In this type of business model a central warehouse orwarehouses ship an order submitted via the Internet through the mail orusing a private courier. The cost of operating a retail location isavoided with this business model. However, a strictly Internet-baseddistribution system often has significant liabilities. One disadvantageis that a customer must wait for an order to be shipped from a warehouselocation. Another disadvantage is that stock may not be available at thetime the order is processed. If stock is unavailable, an order may beplaced on back-order or the order may be canceled. Another significantdisadvantage of an Internet-based distribution system is theimpracticality for media rental. The rental business is one ofimmediacy; a customer will rent an item that is available immediately,but may not rent if it is not available immediately. A customer is muchless likely to rent an item that is shipped after ordering, requiringdays for delivery. In addition, once a customer is finished with arented item it must be return-shipped to the distribution location.

An advantage of an Internet-based distribution, however, is that acustomer may set up an account, pay electronically, and provideinvaluable information to a retailer, wholesaler or the media industry.What is needed is an Internet-based distribution system that allows acustomer instant distribution or retrieval of media that does notrequire a retail outlet with the attendant staff and other costs ofdoing business. In addition, there is a need to provide automatedservices for payment and quality assurance such that a distributionsystem is simple and inexpensive to construct and maintain.

SOLUTION

The above and other problems are solved and an advance in the art ismade by provision of a method and product for Internet-based automateddistribution and collection of recorded disks.

A first advantage of the invention is the ability to provide automateddistribution of recorded disks. A standalone fully automated kioskserves as a distribution point for an integrated system of automateddistribution linked via the Internet. The kiosk is a simple andinexpensive mechanical system providing storage and dispensing of disks.A carousel or shuttle system provides access to multiple mediaselections within the kiosk. Multiple kiosks may be connected to thesystem via the Internet for simultaneous use by users at differentlocations.

A user interacts with the system via a touch screen. The system softwareguides each customer through the process using HTML linked pagesconnected to a database. A selection is entered on the touch screen tochoose one or more items for rental or sale. The selections are added toa “shopping cart,” or a temporary database represented on the display,that is approved by the customer. A credit or debit card or othermembership information may be entered using a magnetic strip card readeror other device that imports the data to a verification module. Approvalor denial of credit is accomplished via a local database, and/or aconnection to the system central server computer, and/or a connection tobanking services. If the credit or debit is approved, the ongoingtransaction is attached to a customer, approval for the price of thedisk is entered, and a dispensing system is activated. A database thenqueries software for the requested item location. A carousel or shuttlesystem manipulates the media until it is aligned with thedispensing/retrieving slot. A door mechanism is activated to open, and amechanism is activated to push the recorded disk partially out of theslot to make it available for hand retrieval by the customer.

A second advantage of the present invention is the ability to reduceexpense by emailing transaction information to a customer. During thedisk dispensing operation, an option to receive an e-mailed receipt isgiven. The option contains a touch-screen keyboard pop-up for thepurpose of entering email address characters and other data. A consumerenters an email address via the touch screen keyboard. Receipts mayinclude transactional information as well as advertising and links tospecific web-sites. All receipts are given by e-mail reducing theexpense of a kiosk since a hard-copy receipt printer is not required.Additionally, the system acquires e-mail addresses from customersallowing post transaction interaction while the consumer is on online.

A third advantage of the present invention is the ability to receivemedia back to the system. The customer activates a return process byselecting “Return” from a touch screen menu or by presenting the disk tothe system bar-code reader or optical sensor. The carousel or shuttlesystem positions to accept a disk at the opening. An initial sensordetects if the recorded disk belongs to the system and activates a doormechanism to allow placement of the recorded disk in the opening. If therecorded disk does not register as a system disk, the door mechanismwill not allow the disk to enter the opening. Once registered, theindividual code associated with each item is entered into the databaseand the position in the carousel or shuttle is stored. An opentransaction is closed when the item is returned and logged in thedatabase or sold. The location of each item is stored in the databaseupon insertion through the return slot. Recorded disks are stored raw orin containers specific to the system. This may include certain lock andkey structures on the system and on the containers that enable earlyidentification of the item. Item-specific identifiers may be present onthe container, on the item, or on both to further verify the identity ofthe individual items.

A fourth advantage of the present invention is an error detectionsystem. Quality scanning software can accomplish a playable/not playabledecision via interaction with the error correction code on individualoptical media. Product to be dispensed can be assured of quality afteran automated analysis. The scanning may be performed using a mediaspecific drive, in concert with automated transporting to and from thedrive within the storage system. The error system first identifies everyfile in the file tree structure. It then traps errors in the file treestructure if a file cannot be opened. Next, the error system opens eachfile, reads the first block of each file, reads subsequent blocks ofeach file, trapping errors on each block. The block size is adjustable,the number of blocks read is adjustable and the number of blocks skippedis adjustable. The error system stores block data in a database. Theerror system totals successful and unsuccessful block reads. The errortesting system allows an algorithm to determine the integrity of themedia, and to generate disk imperfection data toward tracking thedegradation of disk quality over successive rentals.

The error-testing algorithm runs on readily available personal computerhardware. Once an error is found, the system determines a number ofcontiguous blocks affected. Based on the number of bad blocks and thenumber of contiguous bad blocks, the system determines a probable levelof media integrity on a multi-point scale. The system then compares thefile tree found and errors found against test results for perfect diskand previous test results for the same disk. If a “bad media identifier”is indicated, the “bad media” tag is associated with the database entry,the disk is not made available for re-rental or sale and notification ismade at the central server that the disk is available for removal. Amechanism is preferably incorporated into system media cases that whentoggled allows the system to identify a disk that the customer deemed tobe damaged or in need of attention. Additionally, an attached orstand-alone polishing system that has payment elements common to theinvention system can take a disk, resurface the read side, and returnthe disk. This may include a grinding system and/or a buffing system andmay be Internet connected, or linked to the system kiosk.

A fifth advantage of the present invention is the ability to provideon-demand publishing for automated distribution. The system will belinked to a central server computer for the transfer of data in multipledirections. Multiple individual systems can be linked via a network, anddata may be transferred to a kiosk site or group of sites, recorded ondisk and distributed for rental or sale in an automated process.

A sixth advantage of the present invention is a circular bar code forthe purpose of identifying disks inserted into the kiosk system from anyorientation. The “ringcode” consists of concentric circles separated indark and light bands with relative distances recognized by standard linescanners.

The ringcodes are created by reducing a standard barcode to a singlepoint width cross-section. This produces a single straight line of dotsthat are spaced to the original barcode. The line is then pivoted arounda prescribed center radius to produce a group of concentric circlesspaced to the original barcode. A standard line scanner will view asimple straight cross-section as it passes through the center of thering. This gives the scanner two attempts at reading the entire code onthe coded object; once on either side of the center as the reader passesover the center of the code.

A seventh advantage of the present invention is the universal kioskelement of the system. The kiosk system may be shipped via standardshipping methods such as UPS. This capability, in combination withHot-Swappable Kiosks, and low cost manufacturing allows rapid Remove andReplace (R&R) maintenance as needed. Additional units can be stocked onsite specifically for maintenance and replacement or can be shippedquickly to provide locations with optimal ongoing performance.

The kiosk may be designed to utilize a quick-mount wall frame system.This capability addresses the maintenance of public use terminals,allowing anyone with keyed access to remove the system from the wallmount bracket for repair or replacement. This reduces maintenance costsby speeding installation and provides plug-and-play instant connectivityrequiring no special tools, training or connections. Additionally, thekiosk system is totally portable, and can be mounted by one person on awall or in a wall. Wireless devices that allow connection to theInternet without phone or data lines present will allow interactivekiosk units to be placed in unwired locations.

An eighth advantage of the present invention is automatic restocking ofthe kiosk system. Customers return the media to the system. Asingle-touch selection or bar-code-activated initiation of the systemstarts the process. The kiosk system then rotates the carousel into theappropriate alignment of the opening to the selected inventory slot.Once in the appropriate alignment, and upon recognition of thesystem-specific barcode, the door opens for acceptance of a casedrecorded disk. As the case passes through, the door mechanism pivots todecline additional insertions until the system is ready. The locationinformation is stored in the computer, restocking information isdownloaded to the central server and the disk is then available forsubsequent rental or sale.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the disk distribution system of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system kiosk;

FIG. 3 illustrates a system central server computer;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram data exchange within the distribution system;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a system transaction;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system;

FIG. 7 is a depiction of a ringcode for recorded disks;

FIG. 8 a flowchart of an error detection process for recorded disks;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary front-view of a preferred embodiment of a kiosk;

FIG. 10 is an exemplary side-view of the kiosk of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an exemplary front-view of a second preferred embodiment of akiosk;

FIG. 12 is an exemplary side-view of the kiosk of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an exemplary top-view of the kiosk of FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 14 is an exemplary front-view of a preferred embodiment of adisk-shuttle system;

FIG. 15 is an exemplary side-view of the disk-shuttle system of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an exemplary top-view of the disk-shuttle system of FIGS. 14and 15;

FIG. 17 is a depiction of a test result for an error correction system;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the present invention, a methodand product for Internet-based automated disk distribution andretrieval, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, toa person skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout these specific details.

System Overview

The integrated disk distribution system is centered on combining instantphysical access to recorded disk media with the convenience of Internetbased e-commerce. The system is designed to support Digital VersatileDisk (DVD) players, and other optically recorded disk systems.

An Internet-connected central server computer integrates customers,suppliers, employees, kiosks, owners, and the video industry in a “Huband Spoke” system that is fully automated and interactive, providingreal time business-to-consumer and business-to-business capabilities.

The system kiosks are a critical piece of the Hub and Spoke networksystem. For the purpose of the following discussion “kiosk” may be usedinterchangeably with Automated Dispensing or Retrieval System (ADRS).The kiosks act as the brick and mortar spokes, providing a faster, moreconvenient way for customers to obtain and return DVD videos or otherdisks. Each kiosk is a self-service unit that combines mechanicaldispensing systems, Internet connectabilty and a touch screen monitorfor customer interaction. The compact nature of the DVD format allows upto 1000 disks to be stocked in a kiosk like the system shown in FIG. 9.The kiosk's small space requirement allows placement in high-trafficlocations that are more convenient than traditional retail locations.Internet connectivity allows customers to have the choice of shoppingonline or on-site or to access a variety of real-time services.Additionally, smaller low-cost units holding fewer disks, but with thesame interactive capabilities allow placement in a multitude ofconvenience-based locations in both floor mount and wall mountconfigurations. The kiosks present significant reductions in labor andreal estate costs compared to traditional video rental outlets.

Each kiosk is a self-service unit that uses a computer, Internetconnectivity, and a touch screen monitor for customer interaction. Thesmall physical footprint of the kiosk enables it to be placed in avariety of locations. The kiosks can operate 24 hours a day, 7 days aweek, providing instant electronic access to products. The kiosks arefully automated providing customer service through the Internet; andon-site staffing is not required to support customer needs. The systemweb site provides 24-hour access to on-line customer support. It alsoprovides access to specific kiosk inventory, movie trailers and reviews,customer inquiries, special orders, regular individually tailorede-mailed updates, and overall service. The integrated remote kioskmonitoring system allows low cost inventory management, tailoredmarketing promotions, operations planning, and system diagnosis.

In the preferred embodiment, the kiosks are physically designed to meetAmerican Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications so that they may beplaced in public facilities. The kiosks also preferably meet otherregulatory requirements of public transportation facilities,universities, and office buildings.

The system central server supports a World Wide Web site. The centralserver includes promotional drivers and accessory services that routethrough the system website in conjunction with the kiosks. Customers mayuse the Internet to query a specific kiosk for availability or topurchase new and used media, register for e-mailed updates, orparticipate in various targeted programs.

The integrated system allows fast transactions. A simple and easy to usetitle search process minimizes shopping time and allows rapidtransactions. Transaction times from walk-up to walk-away can be lessthan 60 seconds and average 2.5 minutes. Return of media is also simple,as the disks only need to be re-inserted into the dispensing/retrievalmechanism. Upon the return of a disk at a kiosk, the internal computerreads individual identification information from the disk and restocksit automatically.

The system uses standardized components. The standard design of thekiosk components minimizes manufacturing costs and simplifiesmaintenance. Standardized automated kiosks allow placement of the systemkiosks in non-customary locations providing the appropriate service tothe target customer and ease of maintenance.

The system allows remote price changes and can also gather up-to-theminute product availability and customer data. Thin-client computingtechnology keeps hardware costs low and speeds up application deploymentby centralizing management, and enhancing security. E-mailed receiptsgenerated from the kiosks through the central server allow ongoingaccess to customers after the completion of the transaction.

Recorded disk pricing may be determined on a kiosk-by-kiosk basis basedon local market conditions. Pricing also varies depending on marketelasticity; for example, premiums may be placed on DVD videos availablein airport terminals. Differentiated pricing can be used for newerreleases vs. older releases. In addition, rental terms and promotionsmay vary based on kiosk locations and the time of week, and can beadjusted remotely on demand.

Operational Overview

At the kiosk, a graphical user interface (GUI) utilizing a touch screendisplay provides a user-friendly interface even to consumers lackingcomputer experience. Once a touch screen is activated, a computer in thekiosk generates a touch-selectable list of available media: movie genressuch as Action, Drama, Romance, and Comedy, for example. By touching onone of the genres, a selection of associated titles and/or a promotionalpicture may appear on the screen. Touching an image causes basicinformation to be displayed about that media such as cost and rating,along with an option to rent or purchase the media. When selection ofmedia is complete, a credit, debit card, or other membership ID isrequested to execute the transaction and then the disk is dispensed to acustomer.

Return of rental media is similar; a customer may select “Return” on atouch screen, and then insert a disk into an opening in the kiosk. Anoptical scanner first verifies that the disk belongs to the systembefore accepting a disk. Upon return, a disk may be evaluated for damageby a media diagnostic system. Damaged rental stock, scratched or warpeddisks for example, are identified and quarantined. This provides a meansto track inventory quality and when and who damaged a disk. Depending onthe extent of the damage a customer may be assessed a fee.

Internet connectivity and a dynamic customer database provide productpromotion capabilities and consumer access. Product information andpromotions may be tailored to each location's demographics andadditionally to each kiosk's rental and sell-through history.Advertising is available on a kiosk screen and on associated monitorssuch as overhead plasma displays. Advertising on the kiosk screenprovides a mechanism to promote specific marketing initiatives as wellas additional local and global advertising. A loyalty program encouragesand rewards repeat customers by offering special discounts or serviceswhile conducting transactions. The system website allows consumers tosearch for kiosks and to query a specific kiosk for available content.The website also carries updated lists of used media for sale atdiscounted prices at individual kiosks. A customer may reserve and payfor a DVD stocked at a specific kiosk from the website, then pick up theDVD within a specified time period at the specific kiosk. Once acustomer enters e-mail information at the kiosk or at the website, thatcustomer is eligible to receive frequent tailored e-mailed updates fromthe central server on current promotions.

Additional products potentially distributed through the kiosks include avariety of other disk-based media such as books on disk, DVD musicvideos, DVD-ROM, DVD video games, DVD-Audio, SA-CDs and CDs. Themodularity of the system allows for easy adoption of additionaldisk-based content distribution.

Detailed Description of System Elements

Some portions of the following detailed description are presented interms of procedures, logic blocks, processing steps, computer programcode and other symbolic representations of data operations within acomputer memory. A procedure, logic block, process, etc., is aself-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to a desiredresult. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physicalquantities.

A practitioner will recognize that all of these and similar terms are tobe associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merelyconvenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specificallystated, terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,”“determining,” “displaying,” refer to the action and processes of acomputer system or similar electronic computing device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a computer system 612. In general, computer system612 used by the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprisesa bus system 600 for communicating information between systemcomponents. A central processing unit 601 for processing information andinstructions is coupled to bus system 600. A processing unit may be aprocessor a microprocessor or any group or combination of processors ormicroprocessors. A random-access memory 602 for storing information andinstructions for the central processor 601 is coupled to bus system 600.A read-only memory 603 for storing static information and instructionsfor the processor 601 is coupled to bus system 600. A data storagedevice 604, such as a magnetic or other disk drive, for storinginformation and instructions is coupled to bus system 600. A displaydevice 605 for displaying information to the computer user is coupled tobus system 600. An alphanumeric input device 606, including alphanumericand function keys, for communicating information and command selectionsto the central processor 601, is coupled to bus system 600. A cursorcontrol device 607 for communicating user input information and commandselections to the central processor 601 is coupled to bus system 600.And, a signal-generating device 608 for communicating data or signalsbetween devices external to system 612 and processor 601 is coupled tobus system 600.

The display device 605 of FIG. 6 utilized with computer system 612 issuitable for displaying graphic images and alphanumeric characters. Acursor control device 607 is known in the art to include a trackball,mouse, joystick, or special keys on an alphanumeric input device 606. Acursor control device 607 inputs cursor movement of a given direction ormanner of displacement. The cursor control device 607 also may bedirected and/or activated via input from the keyboard using special keysand key sequence commands. Alternatively, the cursor may be directedand/or activated via input from a number of specially adapted cursordirecting devices or may be integrated with a display device 605.

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of an optical diskdistribution system 100. Generally, system 100 distributes recordedoptical media in disk form; for example a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD),or a Compact Disc (CD). A disk, recorded disk, or recorded optical mediaare hereafter used to refer to a recorded optical disk media. The system100 integrates one or more kiosks 101 with a server system 103 through avirtual network 107. The server system 103 is connected to the Internet104 for direct linking to individual email accounts 105 and 105′. Theserver system 103 supports a World Wide Web page set 108 for generalaccess by customers using the Internet. Generally, access to system webpage set 108 supported by server 103 is through an Internet ServiceProvider (ISP) that provides an Internet connection for a personalcomputer 106. The kiosk 101 has a display 106 for viewing and enteringinformation. The kiosk 101 dispenses and receives disks 102, via anopening on the front.

FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a system kiosk 200. Thesystem kiosk 200 is a self-contained unit dispensing system thatcontains computer devices and mechanical devices. A central processingunit 201 is operably connected to a system bus 250. System bus 250 maybe a single bus or a series of busses for communicating data or signalsbetween various devices and central processing unit 201. A memory devicefor storing instructions 202 is operably connected to system bus 250. Adata storage device for storing data, or containing databases and/orother instructions, is connected to system bus 250. A display devicehaving alphanumeric input capability 204 is operably connected to systembus 250. Alternatively, system kiosk 200 may contain computer system 612for controlling system functions. If computer system 612 is contained insystem kiosk 200, then bus 600 is operably connected to or replacessystem bus 250. A magnetic card reader 211 for reading magneticallyimprinted cards is operably connected to system bus 250. Any devicesuitable for uniquely identifying a customer such as a retinal scanningdevice, a smart-card reader or finger-print scanner for example, may besubstituted for magnetic card reader 211 when appropriate. An opticalreader for reading bar-type codes 205 is operably connected to systembus 250. A disk shuttle assembly for accessing and storing disk media206 is operably connected to system bus 250. A media storage unit 207for storing optical media 214 is contained in kiosk 200. Shuttle system206 may be contained in, or integrated with, media storage unit 207 foraccessing optical media 214. A kicker device 208 for dispensing orreceiving optical disk media 214 is operably connected to system bus250. An optional audio device 212 for providing kiosk sound capabilitymay be connected to system bus 250. An optional DVD-Ram or DVD-ROM drive214 for reading data from, or writing data to, optical media may beoperably connected to system bus 250.

An optional error detection system 209 for detecting damaged opticaldisc media may be internal to or external to system kiosk 200. Whenerror detection system 209 is internal to system kiosk 200, errordetection system 209 is operably connected to system bus 250, andDVD-RAM or DVD-ROM drive 213 is operably connected to system bus 250.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention a system for polishingdamaged optical media may be internal to kiosk 200 or may be a linkedfreestanding unit external to kiosk 200 but preferably shares power andfunctionality. If a polishing system is provided with a kiosk 200,shuttle 206 may be used to move optical media to or from kiosk 200. In apreferred embodiment kiosk processor 201 may be utilized to controlfunctions of a polishing mechanism. A polishing system for optical mediais known in the art and is not depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of a central servercomputer 300. The system central server computer 300 may also becomputer system 612. System server 300 provides command and control andcollects and delivers data to system kiosk 200. Server computer 300 hasa central processing unit 301 that is operably connected to serversystem bus 350. A memory device capable of storing instructions 302 isoperably connected to server system bus 350. A database 303 for storingdata is operably connected to system bus 350. A communication devicecapable of transmitting and receiving data or html 304 is operablyconnected to system server bus 350. An optional second communicationdevice for exchanging data for commercial transactions 305 may beoperably connected to server system bus 350.

FIG. 4 depicts a preferred embodiment of the system data transfermechanism 400. Mechanism 400 is, for example, item 107 of FIG. 1. Avirtual network connection, item 107 FIG. 1, provides data exchangebetween a kiosk 200 of FIG. 2, and server computer 300 of FIG. 3. Thekiosk-server virtual network system 107 can be a local network system ora remote network system that may utilize an html-based data exchange,e.g. an intranet or extranet. The exchange of data in html formatincludes an html request 425 and an html page 435. Both the kiosk 200 ofFIG. 2, and the server computer 300 of FIG. 3, may request and receivedata using the html protocol, allowing a two-way data-exchange system.The use of the html protocol allows an Internet browser to be a systeminterface, and additionally allows the system to be administered by anApplication Service Provider (ASP) using the Internet. ApplicationService Providers (ASP) provide software applications across theInternet by basing resident software on a central server that isaccessed using an Internet browser. The use of ASP's is desirable wherethe functionality of a network is desired, but the use of a privateserver-system is impossible or impractical. An Internet Service Provider(ISP) 401 may also be an ASP. An ISP provides a connection to theInternet to individual computer users.

Exchange of data using virtual network 107 of FIG. 1, is accomplished ina secure manner using methods of data encryption and decryption known inthe art. Secure transfer of data through an ISP provides a virtualprivate network connection. An additional data exchange may occur on adedicated private network connection for banking services, oralternatively using a virtual network as in item 107 of FIG. 1. Server300 of FIG. 3 may obtain credit or debit or other membershipauthorization using information received from a customer. A creditauthorization request 412 is transmitted from server 300 of FIG. 3, to abankcard verification service 410, which generally is a secure servercomputer. After receiving credit authorization request 412, bank-cardverification service 410 processes credit authorization request 412, andtransmits a response 411 to server computer 300 of FIG. 3. Response 411is conveyed to kiosk 200 of FIG. 2 through virtual network 107 of FIG.1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a disk dispensingtransaction process 500. Process 500 begins with a request to dispense amedia selection from kiosk 200 of FIG. 2, in step 501. Informationincluding, for example, credit card number or email address is nextreceived from a customer to kiosk 200 in step 502. Kiosk 200 thensecurely transmits data received in step 502 to ISP 401 of FIG. 4, instep 503. Data securely transmitted in step 503 is received to ISP 401in step 504. Data received to ISP 401 in step 504 is securelytransmitted to system server 300 of FIG. 3, in step 505. Data securelytransmitted to system server 300 in step 505 in next received to systemserver 300 in step 506. System server 300 next securely transmits debitauthorization request data to a credit verification server in step 507.System server 300 next securely receives credit authorization data froma credit verification service in step 508. System server 300 nextsecurely transmits authorization data received in step 508 to ISP 401 instep 509. In step 510 system server 300 transmits to ISP 401 an e-mailreceipt for a debit transaction occurring in steps 507 and 508 for ane-mail address supplied in step 502. In step 511 data transmitted bysystem server 300 in step 509 and step 510 is received by ISP 401. Step509 and step 510 may occur simultaneously in one step or sequentially indifferent steps. In step 512 ISP 401 securely transmits to kiosk 200authorization to dispense requested media received from system server300 in step 511. In step 513 ISP 401 transmits email receipt datareceived from system server 300 in step 511 to an email address receivedin step 501. In step 514 kiosk 200 securely receives authorization todispense media transmitted from ISP 401 in step 512. In step 515 kiosk200 dispenses requested media to a customer.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 7, an opticalringcode 701 uniquely identifies each recorded disk 700. Generally anoptical disk is comprised of a sandwich of polycarbonate and areflective surface. A region between the media outside diameter 705, andthe center region 704 may be used for a label region 702. On asingle-sided media the label region 702 which is positioned upon thereflective surface may contain printed information. On a dual-sidedmedia nothing may be printed in the label region 702. A center region704 exists between the label region 702 and the center hole 703. Thecenter region 704 may contain printed information on both single-sidedand double-sided optical media. A standard barcode system has beenestablished and is known in the art. For recorded disk 700 a radialoptical code 701 is achieved by rotating a section of a standard barcodearound a fixed position located at disk 700's true center. The resulting“ringcode” 701 is a series of concentric circles that may be scannedfrom any radial position of the disk 700. In the preferred embodiment ofthe invention a standard optical reader 205 may be used to identify therecorded disk. In another preferred embodiment of the invention thelabel region 702 of a single-sided disk may be used for a ringcode 701.In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the ringcode 701, maybe detectable by a non-standard barcode reader operating at anon-visible frequency in infra-red or ultra-violet, for example. Aring-code 701 may therefore be transparent or may be opaque, allowing agreater degree of security for proprietary identification features orcodes.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention an error mediaerror-detection system may optionally be incorporated into kiosk 200 ofFIG. 2. Error detection process 800 is depicted in FIG. 8. Errordetection process 800, within kiosk 200, is generally a sequentialinstruction set for directing a computer 612 or a processor. In step 801a disk error detection system, item 209 of FIG. 2, is initiated. Errordetection process 800 can be initiated as in step 801 automatically bykiosk system 200 or by system server 300 or by manual selection. In step802 a recorded disk, item 214 of FIG. 2 for example, is shuttled to adisk drive mechanism, item 213 of FIG. 2 for example, for reading data.In step 803 data is read from a disk shuttled to a disk drive 213 instep 802. Data read from disk 214 in step 803 is analyzed by analgorithm in step 804 to detect data errors. If no errors are detectedin step 804 then step 805 occurs and system kiosk 200 is signaled thatno error was detected. In step 806 a disk with no detected data errorsis shuttled to kiosk 200's media storage unit, item 207 of FIG. 2. Next,in step 807 system kiosk 200 updates a database to indicate that theerror free disk is available. If a data error is detected in step 804,step 808 occurs and an error tag is generated. In step 809 kiosk 200 issignaled of an error tag attaching to the disk. In step 810 the errortagged disk is shuttled to segregated area for damaged disks withinmedia storage unit 207. Alternatively, in step 810 a database may beupdated to indicate that the disk is not available.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary front-view embodiment of a kiosk 200 of FIG. 2. Akiosk housing 900 forms an enclosure. A computer 901 is included insidehousing 900. Computer 901 may be computer 612 of FIG. 6, or one or morecomponents illustrated in FIG. 2, such as CPU 201. Stereo speakers 912,for audio are positioned on the front of housing 900. A touch screendisplay 904 is positioned on the front of housing 900. A dispense/returnopening 940 is positioned on the front of housing 900. A credit-cardmagnetic reader 911 is positioned on the front of housing 900. A diskinventory system 907 is included internal to housing 900. A transfermechanism/controller 906 is included in housing 900. Transfer mechanism906 may be shuttle/carousel 206 of FIG. 2, or as illustrated in FIGS.14-16. A sleeve dispenser 930 is positioned on the front of housing 900,for dispensing protective coverings for media. Sleeve dispenser 930 maybe a mechanical device or a holding area for sleeves that requiresmanual extraction by a kiosk user.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary side-view embodiment of a kiosk 200 of FIG. 2,as shown in FIG. 9. A housing 1000 is identical to housing 900 of FIG.9.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary front-view of a second kiosk 200 of FIG. 2. Abulkhead 1100 forms a base upon which components may be mounted. Stereospeakers 1112 are mounted on bulkhead 1100. A touch-screen display 1104is mounted on bulkhead 1100. A carousel 1107, for storing media ismounted on bulkhead 1100. A carousel drive 1106 is mounted on bulkhead1100 for driving carousel 1107. A debit/credit magnetic card reader 1111is mounted on bulkhead 1100. A dispense/return door mechanism 1108 ismounted on bulkhead 1100. A Dispense/return door drive 1120 is mountedon bulkhead 1100 to operate dispense/return mechanism 1108. Adispense/return guide and case scanner 1105 is mounted on bulkhead 1100.Dispense/return guide 1105 may have an integrated optical scanning unitfor identifying media before allowing media to be received to a kiosk.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary side view of a second kiosk 200 of FIG. 2, asillustrated in FIG. 11. A bulkhead 1200 forms a base upon whichcomponents may be mounted. Bulkhead 1200 is identical to bulkhead 1100of FIG. 11. A dispense/return door 1240 is attached to bulkhead 1200. Amedia case/disk ID scanner 1205 is mounted on bulkhead 1200. Mediacase/disk scanner 1205 is identical to dispense/return guide and casescanner 1105 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary top view of a second kiosk 200 of FIG. 2, asshown in FIGS. 11 and 12. A bulkhead 1300 forms a base upon whichcomponents may be mounted. Bulkhead 1300 is identical to bulkhead 1100of FIG. 11 and bulkhead 1200 of FIG. 12. A dispense/return mechanism1308 is mounted on bulkhead 1300. Dispense/return mechanism 1308 isidentical to dispense/return door mechanism 1108 of FIG. 11. A keyed orunkeyed case 1330 is mounted on bulkhead 1300.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary front-view embodiment of a shuttle/carouselsystem for shuttling a recorded disk as in 206 of FIGS. 2 and 906 ofFIG. 9. A rack-mount plate 1410 forms a base upon which components maybe mounted. A transfer mechanism base 1425 forms a base for transfermechanism components. Transfer mechanism base 1425 attaches torack-mount 1410. A disk grip 1422 is mounted on base 1425. A transfergearbox 1423 is mounted on transfer mechanism base 1425. Anend-of-travel sensor 1424 is attached to transfer mechanism base 1425.An input/output motor 1426 is attached to transfer mechanism base 1425.An input/output shaft 1427 is attached to transfer mechanism base 1425and operably coupled to input/output motor 1426. A clamp motor 1429 isattached to transfer mechanism base 1425.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary side-view embodiment of a shuttle/carouselsystem for shuttling a recorded disk as in FIG. 14. A rack-mount plate1510 forms a base upon which components may be mounted. A transfermechanism base 1525 forms a base for transfer mechanism components. Aninput/output faceplate 1528 is attached to transfer mechanism base 1525.A disk clamp 1534 for holding a recorded disk is attached to transfermechanism base 1525. An arm-at-input sensor 1532 for detectingpositional orientation is attached to transfer mechanism base 1525. Anarm-at-transfer sensor 1533 for indicating positional orientation isattached to transfer mechanism base 1525. A disk support 1530 forsupporting a recorded disk is attached to transfer mechanism base 1525.

FIG. 16 is an exemplary top-view embodiment of a shuttle/carousel systemfor shuttling a recorded disk as in FIGS. 14 and 15. A rack-mount plate1610 forms a base upon which components may be mounted. A transfermechanism base 1625 forms a base for transfer mechanism components. Adisk transfer arm 1635 is attached to rack-mount plate 1610. A grip arm1611 for gripping a recorded disk is attached to disk transfer arm 1635.A disk transport arm 1613 for transporting a recorded disk is operablyattached to disk transfer arm 1635. A disk support/sensor 1612 isoperably attached to disk transport arm 1613. An unclamp sensor 1614 isoperably attached to disk transport arm 1613. An arm-clear sensor 1615is operably attached to disk transport arm 1613. A first disk-clear pinsensor 1616 is operably attached to transfer mechanism base 1625. A diskstop pin 1617 is attached to transfer mechanism base 1625. A seconddisk-clear pin sensor 1618 is attached to transfer mechanism base 1625.A disk input sensor 1619 is attached to transfer mechanism base 1625. Aninterconnect PCBA for circuitry is attached to transfer mechanism base1625. A transfer motor 1621 is mounted on rack mount plate 1610 andoperably attached to disk transfer arm 1635.

FIG. 17 depicts a graphical display of a test file result derived fromthe following computer code instructions when sequentially performed bya computer such as computer 612 of FIG. 6.

The following data table corresponds to the graphical display result ofFIG. 17, and results from the following computer code instructions beingsequentially performed by a computer such as computer 612 of FIG. 6. Thetable indicates information about a test-subject optical media andresults of a testing algorithm that evaluates media integrity by readingerror-correction data from an optical disk.

water Rec Test Blocks Errors Test Test color ID Length Read Found IDDate File Name 6289 6289 0 7 0 1 3/21/00 D:\VIDEO_TS\VIDEO_TS.BUP 62906290 0 14 0 1 3/21/00 D:\VIDEO_TS\VIDEO_TS.IFO 6291 6291 1 1750 0 13/21/00 D:\VIDEO_TS\VIDEO_TS.VOB 6292 6292 0 1787 0 1 3/21/00D:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_0.BUP 6293 6293 0 1824 0 1 3/21/00D:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_0.IFO 6294 6294 0 2058 0 1 3/21/00D:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_0.VOB 6295 6295 268 526275 0 1 3/21/00D:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_1.VOB 6296 6296 259 1050498 0 1 3/21/00D:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_2.VOB 6297 6297 171 1360177 0 1 3/21/00D:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_3.VOB

The following computer instruction code may be used to implement apreferred embodiment of error detection process 800:

end text begin computer language

FieldByName(‘ErrorsFound’).Aslnteger:=iErrorsFound;

FieldByName(‘TestlD’).Aslnteger:=1;

FieldByName(‘TestDate’).AsDateTime:=Now( );

FieldByName(‘Filename’).AsString:=stFile;

FieldByName(‘Operator’).AsString:=edOperator.Text;

FieldByName(‘DiscDescription’).AsString:=mmoDisc.Text;

FieldByName(‘TestDescription’).AsString:=mmoTest.Text;

FieldByName(‘Filesize’).Asinteger:=iFileSize;

FieldByName(‘PctErrors’).AsFloat:=iErrorsFound/iBlocksRead;

Post;

end;end;exceptend;end;procedure TfmCheck.cbxDriveChange(Sender: TObject);begin

DirectoryListBox1.Drive:=cbxDrive.Drive;

flb1.Drive:=cbxDrive.Drive;

flb1.Directory:=DirectoryListBox1.Directory;

end;

end.

end computer language start text

The above is a description of a method and system for Internet-basedautomated disk distribution and retrieval. It is expected that otherswill design alternative methods and systems for Internet-based diskdistribution using stand-alone automated kiosks as set forth in theclaims below either literally of through the Doctrine of Equivalents.

1. A system for dispensing optical storage media from, and maintaininginventory in, a kiosk, the kiosk remote from a system server andcommunicatively connected to said system server, said system comprising:a plurality of optical storage media each storing data for a particularprogram; a storage carousel in the kiosk for storing said plurality ofoptical storage media, the kiosk inventory comprising an inventory ofsaid plurality of optical storage media; a first central processing unitin said kiosk; a database including information representative of thekiosk inventory and accessible by a user via a kiosk interface and theInternet; a first media readable by said first central processing unit,having a first set of instructions for directing said first centralprocessing unit to: read data from a selected one of said plurality ofoptical storage media stored in said kiosk; dispense said selected oneof said plurality of optical storage media and/or display data from saidselected optical medium on a display in said kiosk; and receive areturned optical medium, identify said returned optical medium, andtransmit identity of said returned optical medium to said system server;maintain information of the kiosk inventory; remove a one of saidoptical storage media from said kiosk inventory information whendispensing said selected one; add a one of said optical storage media tosaid kiosk inventory information when receiving said returned opticalmedium; a second central processing unit in said system server, having asecond media including a second set of instructions for directing saidsecond central processing unit to: maintain an inventory of opticalstorage media in said kiosk in said database; receive a messageindicating said returned optical storage medium has been returned to thekiosk; receive an update of the kiosk inventory from said first centralprocessing unit when said first central processing unit updates saidkiosk inventory information; and cause optical storage media to be addedto the kiosk inventory based on said kiosk inventory information.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising an optical reading device.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said second set of instructions furthercomprises instructions for directing said second central processing unitto provide access to a database of a third central processing unit. 4.The system of claim 1, further comprising a media identification readerin said kiosk that is operable to detect an identification marking onone of said selected and returned optical storage media.
 5. The systemof claim 4, wherein said first set of instructions includes instructionsfor directing said first central processing unit to: read saididentification marking on a one of said selected and returned opticalstorage medium using said media identification reader, and identify saidselected or returned optical storage medium.
 6. The system of claim 5,wherein said first set of instructions further comprises instructionsfor directing said first central processing unit to maintain a record ofa position of said optical recording storage media in the kiosk basedupon said identification of said selected and returned optical storagemedia.
 7. The system of claim 4, wherein said identification marking onsaid optical storage media includes a concentric marking around a centerof an optical storage medium.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein saidconcentric marking is a bar code.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein saidmedia identification reader is a bar code scanner.
 10. A method formaintaining an inventory of a plurality of optical storage media in akiosk for dispensing, the kiosk remote from a system server andcommunicatively connected to the system server, the method comprisingthe steps of: providing a user with information representative of theinventory of the kiosk, said inventory information contained in adatabase that is user-accessible from one of the kiosk and the Internet;dispensing a selected optical storage medium or receiving a returnedoptical storage medium from a user of the kiosk; updating said kioskinventory information to remove said selected optical storage medium orto add said returned optical storage medium; notifying the system serverof said updated kiosk inventory information; and alerting the systemserver when said kiosk inventory information indicates that a number ofa particular one of the plurality of optical storage media falls below afirst identified threshold.
 11. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising the step of displaying on a display of the kioskadvertisements relating to a particular optical storage medium in theinventory when the number of said particular optical medium reaches asecond identified threshold.
 12. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising the steps of: reading an identification marking on saidselected or returned optical storage medium using a media identificationreader in the kiosk; and identifying said selected or returned opticalstorage medium.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the stepof maintaining a record of a position of said returned optical storagemedium in said kiosk based upon said identification of said returnedoptical storage media.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein said step ofreading said identification marking includes reading a concentricmarking around a center of said selected or returned optical storagemedium.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said step of reading saidconcentric marking includes reading a bar code printed concentricallyaround said optical storage media with a bar code scanner in the kiosk.16. The method of claim 11, wherein said advertisements are promotionsfor optical media available at the kiosk.
 17. The system of claim 10,wherein said kiosk inventory information is viewable at a kiosk displayand/or over the Internet.
 18. The method of claim 10, wherein a rentalprice to dispense said selected optical storage medium from said kioskis based upon said kiosk inventory information.